Modern-day Dwarka linked to Krishna’s lost city? Here's what ASI hopes to find off Gujarat coast

Dwarka city

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently completed two rounds of exploration at an underwater site near Dwarka in Gujarat. These studies are a part of an ongoing project to determine whether the modern-day city of Dwarka is connected to the ancient city that is depicted in Indian mythology, particularly in the Mahabharata.

A third, more detailed round of exploration is expected later this year. The hope is to gather clearer and more reliable evidence that could help determine the age and historical importance of the underwater remains.

Why is Dwarka important?

In Indian religious history and mythology, Dwarka holds a unique significance. It is believed to be the city that Lord Krishna established after
leaving Mathura, where he had killed his evil uncle, King Kans. According to ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna built Dwarka by reclaiming land from the sea. The city was a well-planned and wealthy port colony, the legend says.

“Dwarka is mentioned in ancient literature, and is important from a historical, archaeological, and cultural point of view. As such, it has been explored by historians and archaeologists over many years,” Alok Tripathi, the ASI additional director-general who headed this year’s exploration, told The Indian Express.

What happened in the latest exploration?

The most recent round of exploration began in February 2025 and took place in two parts. The Underwater Archaeology Wing of the ASI conducted both onshore (on land) and offshore (underwater) studies around Dwarka and a nearby island called Beyt Dwarka (also known as Shankhodhar). This island is located near Okha town, around 25 km northeast of Dwarka.

Dwarka is situated close to the point where the Gulf of Kutch opens into the Arabian Sea on the western coast of the Indian subcontinent. Conversely, Beyt Dwarka is a little island at the mouth of the gulf.

In February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the site and offered prayers underwater, calling it a “divine experience.” He also inaugurated a four-lane bridge called Sudarshan Setu, which now connects the mainland town of Okha to Beyt Dwarka island.

A five-member ASI team started by studying land areas near the Gomati Creek in Dwarka, which had previously been explored in 2007. The aim was to see how the area had changed over time and whether any new remains had become visible.

In March 2025, a larger team of trained underwater archaeologists went diving to search for and document submerged structures. They were also conducting training exercises to prepare for future missions.

What is the ASI trying to find out?

The ASI’s main aim is to find material evidence that can confirm whether the underwater ruins near Dwarka match the descriptions of the ancient city found in literature. They want to know how old the remains are, whether they belong to the time of Krishna (if such a time can be pinpointed), and what kind of settlement it was.

What have earlier studies found?

The first official land investigations to explore Dwarka took place in 1963. Over the years, many interesting objects have been found. These include stone structures underwater that look like walls, bastions (defensive towers), and even what appears to be a large jetty or port platform, according to the ASI.

One interesting find was a set of triangular stone anchors with three holes, suggesting that boats and ships once docked there. These are believed to date back to the time of India’s middle kingdoms, roughly from the 8th to the 18th century. This means Dwarka likely functioned as a busy port
town during that period.

In 2007, an exploration was conducted offshore and onshore during low tide in the area where the sculptures and stone anchors had been discovered. The objective was to establish the antiquity of the site based on material evidence. Submerged remains were studied and documented.

The area near the Dwarkadheesh temple was also excavated, which yielded antiquities including terracotta objects, beads, fragments of bangles, copper rings, iron ingots and pottery.

What happens next?

The ASI plans to carry out more excavations at Dwarka later this year. They will use updated tools and methods to dig deeper and date the findings more accurately. This includes analysing sediment layers, studying marine deposits, and applying techniques that help determine how old each object is, an ASI told The Indian Express.

There are also plans to strengthen the ASI’s underwater archaeology wing, which has faced delays and challenges in the past. This improvement will allow for more regular and advanced studies, not just in Dwarka but also in other coastal regions. Sites in the Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu, as well as along the shores of Maharashtra and Odisha, are also on the ASI’s radar.